La Mesa bicyclist hit by trolley

LA MESA  A bicyclist was struck by a trolley and seriously injured at Severin Drive Tuesday afternoon after he went around the crossing guard arms, La Mesa police said.

The accident occurred about 5:20 p.m. at the Severin Drive crossing of the tracks. Trolley service was halted for several hours.

The male cyclist was going north on Severin Drive, approaching Amaya Drive, when the crossing arms came down to stop traffic for a westbound trolley, La Mesa police Lt. Carlos Medero said.

Medero said the cyclist veered into the southbound car lane and onto the tracks “apparently in an effort to beat the approaching trolley.”

The bicycle hit the side of the trolley and the rider was knocked to the ground on or near the tracks. He was taken by ambulance to a hospital, unconscious and suffering several broken bones, Medero said. The injured man’s name and age were not released.

San Diego Trolley spokesman Rob Schupp said trolley service was halted in both directions in El Cajon and Grossmont during the police investigation. Passengers wanting to reach the Amaya Drive station were taken by bus.